Office for Science and Society

Office for Science
and Society

The Office for Science and Society is dedicated to the promotion of
critical thinking and the presentation of practical scientific information to
the public, educators, and students in an accurate and responsible fashion. The
Office answers queries from the public as well as from the media, with a view
toward establishing scientific accuracy. The Office also offers a variety of
educational and interesting presentations on scientific topics and its members
contribute to a number of courses under the umbrella of “The World of
Chemistry.”

About Chemistry

About Chemistry

Chemistry is both a pure science, offering a challenging intellectual
pursuit, and an applied science whose technology is of fundamental importance
to the economy and society. Modern chemists seek an understanding of the
structure and properties of atoms and molecules to predict and interpret the
properties and transformations of matter and the energy changes that accompany
those transformations. Many of the concepts of physics and mathematics are
basic to chemistry, while chemistry is of fundamental importance to many other
disciplines such as the biological and medical sciences, geology, metallurgy,
etc.

A degree in chemistry leads to a wide variety of professional
vocations. The large science-based industries (petroleum refining, plastics,
pharmaceuticals, etc.) all employ chemists in research, development, and quality
control. Many federal and provincial departments and agencies employ chemists
in research and testing laboratories. Such positions are expected to increase
with the currently growing concern for the environment and for consumer
protection. A background in chemistry is also useful as a basis for advanced
study in other related fields, such as medicine and the biological sciences.
For a business career, a B.Sc. in Chemistry can profitably be combined with a
master's degree in Business Administration, or a study of law for work as a
patent lawyer or forensic scientist.

Chemistry courses at the university level are traditionally divided
into four areas of specialization: 1) organic chemistry, dealing with the
compounds of carbon; 2) inorganic chemistry, concerned with the chemistry and
compounds of elements other than carbon; 3) analytical chemistry, which deals
with the identification of substances and the quantitative measurement of their
compositions; and 4) physical chemistry, which treats the physical laws,
kinetics, and energetics governing chemical reactions, behaviour of materials, and molecular structure.
Naturally, there is a great deal of overlap between these different areas, and
the boundaries are becoming increasingly blurred. After a general course at the
introductory level, courses in organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical
chemistry are offered throughout the university years. Since chemistry is an
experimental science, laboratory classes accompany most undergraduate courses.
In addition, courses are offered in polymer, theoretical, green, nano, and
biological chemistry to upper-year undergraduates.

There are two main programs in the Department of Chemistry: Honours
and Major. The Honours program is intended primarily for students wishing to
pursue graduate studies in chemistry. While the Major program is somewhat less
specialized, it is still recognized as sufficient training for a career in
chemistry. It can also lead to graduate studies although an additional
Qualifying year may be necessary. There are also a number of B.Sc. Liberal and
other programs available. Interested students may inquire about these at the
Student Advisory Office, Room 314, Otto Mass Chemistry Building, or see
www.chemistry.mcgill.ca/advising/index.htm.

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) - Minor Chemistry
(18 credits)

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) - Minor Chemical Engineering
(24 credits)

A Chemical Engineering Minor will be of interest to Chemistry students who wish to study the problems of process engineering and its related subjects. A student completing this Minor will be able to make the important link between molecular sciences and industrial processing. This Minor will not provide Professional Engineering accreditation.